Phlebotomy

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• QWhat is phlebotomy?

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  A RealAge answered

  Phlebotomy is the withdrawal of blood from a vein, usually in your arm, for transfusion, diagnostic testing, research or donation. A phlebotomist is the person who draws the blood and is trained in the safe handling of blood, the correct way to label blood samples, and proper techniques of blood drawing.
  
  There are many national certification agencies that provide phlebotomy training courses around the country that certify individuals to become phlebotomists, also known as phlebotomy technicians. Among those agencies are the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, the National Phlebotomy Association, American Medical Technologists and the American Society for Clinical Pathology. Phlebotomists typically work in doctor's offices, medical laboratories and hospitals.
• QWhen should I contact my doctor after I undergo a phlebotomy for cancer?

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  A Aurora Health Care answered

  A phlebotomy is a procedure that will remove a specific amount of blood. Two common reasons for doing a phlebotomy are to remove excess iron or red blood cells from the circulation. Generally, one unit of blood (approximately 1 pint) is removed.
  
  Contact your doctor or the nursing area that cared for you during the procedure if any of the following occur:

  1. Persistent faintness
  2. Active bleeding at the site that is not stopped by five minutes of pressure
  3. Chest pain
• QWhat is a phlebotomy for cancer treatment?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Aurora Health Care answered

  A phlebotomy is a procedure that will remove a specific amount of blood. Two common reasons for doing a phlebotomy are to remove excess iron or red blood cells from the circulation. Generally, one unit of blood (approximately 1 pint) is removed.
• QWhat should I expect after I undergo a phlebotomy for cancer treatment?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Aurora Health Care answered

  A phlebotomy is a procedure that will remove a specific amount of blood. Two common reasons for doing a phlebotomy are to remove excess iron or red blood cells from the circulation. Generally, one unit of blood (approximately 1 pint) is removed.
  
  Immediately after the procedure, you will be observed by a nurse for 30 minutes. This is done to watch for possible side effects. You may feel a little weak, dizzy, or faint after the procedure. For this reason, you will be asked to stay seated or lie down for five minutes before standing up and encouraged to drink fluids.
  
  After you leave the hospital, follow these instructions:
  

  1. You should not smoke after your phlebotomy for one to two hours because smoking may increase your chances of feeling dizzy.
  2. Limit any strenuous exercise of the arm used for the procedure for 24 hours after your phlebotomy.
  3. Eat something once you are at home.
  4. If you feel faint while standing, lie or sit down with your head between your knees for a few minutes. Change positions slowly to limit dizziness.
  5. Do not remove the bandage at the phlebotomy site for at least 12 hours after the procedure. If there is active bleeding from the phlebotomy site, apply pressure for at least 15 minutes.